Rajat Kapoor’s I don’t like it, As you like it Exploring the relevance of Shakespeare in India

Exploring the relevance of Shakespeare and his plays in India is undoubtedly a challenging affair. While most of the theatres staged in Kolkata are predominantly in Bengali, the recent English production of As You like It by Rajat Kapoor drew audience from diverse platforms.

After the success of his previous adaptations of Shakespeare, the renowned actor and theatre director adapted the sunny Shakespearean comedy and called it – I don’t Like it As you like it. With the likes of Vinay Pathak and Cyrus Sahukar in the line-up of actors along with other talented artists of the country, the play explores the Shakespeare comedy in the perspective of clowns.

Rajat Kapoor quite successfully discovers the affinity of Indian audience for comedy and sarcasm when it comes to entertainment. The play with its subtle dialogues and idiosyncratic characters manages to keep a full-house audience engrossed and amused. Although being an interpretation of Shakespeare, Kapoor talks about the importance of the real text and how he strives to improvise keeping the essence of the play intact.

Centre Stage Creations a dynamic addition to the list of organisers intending to showcase quality events in the field of theatre, films, debates and performing arts in Kolkata presented this innovative production in G.D. Birla Sabhagar last week.